I am looking for a plane that can get me through private pilot and IRF training that has low fuel burn. Looking for something that is IFR or can be made IFR by adding appropriate avionics. Some planes I have considered are the Lancair 235 or 360 or zenith 601. Are these good airframes? Any other suggested airframes?
If you must have your own aircraft a C150 probably fits the bill and there are more than a few that are IFR. That said, I would strongly recommend joining a club for your training that way you're not out the capital expense and depending on the club you should get exposure to more than one airframe...
I went with a PA-28 Cherokee. Older model. Fuel burn was in the 9-10 GPH range leaned out properly. If you are going to be the owner I would not suggest a kit plane unless you are willing to do the work to maintain it. Lancair planes also tend to have a knack for killing pilots who lack proficiency. Meaning, probably NOT a good learning airplane for someone just starting out. A 150 as @idahoflier suggested is another great option if it's just you and the trainer. If you want to take people up after you get your license, look at an older model 172 or 170.
The older Mooneys burn about what Cherokees do, but go lots faster. Most are set up with IFR capable avionics, more than I can say for most Cherokees.
Cessna 152 or old PA-28 cherokee 140/150. Fast experimentals are fun but not ideal when learning the basics.
True. Might help to understand the OP's budget though. A 150 can go for 20K or less, Cherokee's around 35K and Mooney's about the same or higher depending on avionics. Mooney is also bankrupt though, so as an owner that has to come into play for maintenance and parts. Buying a newer one or one with specialized parts could ground you for a while if you can't get them made.
I would avoid both but at the same time tell you an experimental is a good idea if you can swing the extra purchase price. For starters an Exp airplane will be more likely to have a modern panel compared to certified aircraft. I would skip on the retract as that just adds something else to remember and care for. The 601's have a bad safety rep but I've heard they are better now with the spar updates. If you don't want a Cherokee 140, older 172, 150, Grumman, then I would look at an RV9A. They are the most stable of the RV line short of the 10 and 14.
I don't think it would be good to be pounding on a Mooney during primary training, if the tanks don't leak now, they will by the end of training. Two ways to go: Rent, or join a club for primary training, it's not your bird being beat around the pattern. If you do want to buy, get a primary trainer (152, 172, PA_28 etc), then upgrade later.
I'm with the crown saying for primary training rent. But assuming that is not an option: Where do you live/what elevation? What is your budget? What do you plan on doing with the plane? Why is fuel burn so important? For example, if you want a low operating/fuel cost, and you are looking to fly locally a $50K Rotax powered experimental sounds great. But if you want low operating/fuel cost because you only have $35K to go from zero to commercial, then an $18K Cessna 150 is a better choice, because it comes with $12k in the passenger's seat (plus the option to finance it if you get into a bind later). But neither is a good idea if you are 220lbs, your instructor is 220lbs and you live at 6000ft MSL.
Mooney is up and running as I write this. That said, most Mooney owners buy few parts from Mooney. I've bought one in the years I've owned my ship. Anyone who can buy a Lancair 360 can buy a vintage Mooney.
If you're flying for time rather than distance, operating your engine at 55% power will significantly reduce fuel burn/hour no matter what you're flying.
GTN650-equipped RV-12 or Sling 2. Sling 2 training available at The Sling Pilot Academy in Torrance, California.
